Frieda (Zelent) Minchau

With sad hearts we announce the passing of Frieda (Alfreda Zelent) Minchau on July 1, 2025 at the age of 98 years, in Wetaskiwin, Alberta. 

Frieda was born in Karolinka, Poland, on September 12, 1926, to her parents Emil and Alma Zelent. With her mother and younger sister at her side, she immigrated to Canada in February 1932 to join her father who ventured ahead two years earlier. She married Edward Minchau on June 17, 1947. They spent most of their farming years in the Wetaskiwin community, while raising a family of four children, and being blessed with six grandchildren and six great-grandsons. 

Frieda was a woman who dedicated a majority of her life to raising her children and helping with the grandchildren and great-grandchildren in addition to volunteering within her church and community. Gardening, homecooked meals, sewing clothes for herself and the children, camping and exploring new places through her travels abroad and within Canada were some of the things she enjoyed. 

She is lovingly remembered and survived by her family: son, Donald (Monica) Minchau; daughter, Wendy Martin and granddaughter, Holly (Aly Dossa); daughter, Connie (Brian) Maygard and grandchildren Melissa Maygard (great-grandsons, Hayden, Blake and Kade Berg) and Tanner (Jordan; great-grandsons Jaxon, Reid, Logan); as well as daughter Lori Minchau and granddaughter Casandra (Ayron) Katsaounis; brothers and sisters-in-law; numerous nieces and nephews and their families, and special family friend Faith Masculino (Joseph Baranda, and their son Rain).

Frieda was predeceased by her husband of 64 years, Edward Minchau, in 2011; parents, Emil and Alma Zelent; sister, Katie (Albert) Minchau; brother, Helmut (Darlene) Zelent and grandchildren, Pamela and Steven Minchau.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 17, 2025 at Grace Lutheran Church, Wetaskiwin. Interment will take place prior at 1:00 p.m. at the Wetaskiwin Memorial Cemetery. Following the service, the family invites you to join them for a time of fellowship and refreshments in the church fellowship hall.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Schlenther and Dr. de Wet as well as the staff at Sagebrush, and all of those who have provided support to the family. In memory of Frieda, donations may be made to Grace Lutheran Church (4218 56 Ave, Wetaskiwin, Alberta T9A 2W3) or Mulhurst Lutheran Camp (PO Box 78, Mulhurst, Alberta, T0C 2C0) or to the charity of your choice. 

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